Flash flood warnings have been issued in Southern California as Storm Rachel brings heavy rain to the region, with forecasters warning of flooding and potentially "life-threatening" rip currents. The National Weather Service (NWS) said periods of moderate to heavy rain would affect San Diego County, as well as the mountains and deserts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, through Sunday. Rainfall rates could reach 0.50 to 0.60 inches per hour along the San Diego coast and valleys, 0.50 to 0.70 inches per hour across desert areas and 0.70 to 1 inch per hour in the mountains, according to the NWS Flood Watch.
The heaviest rainfall was expected through early Sunday afternoon before tapering off from south to north. The NWS warned that excessive runoff could flood rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, while mountain areas could see an increased risk of rockslides and mudslides. Rachel is also causing hazardous conditions along the Southern California coast.
A coastal flood warning covers the coastal areas of San Diego and Orange counties, where significant coastal flooding and beach erosion are considered likely. The NWS said Rachel's increased swell, onshore winds, and high tides locally above 7.5 feet would combine to produce the greatest impacts Sunday morning. Surf of 5 to 7 feet, with local sets up to 9 feet, is also expected.
This bout of extreme weather comes as attention increasingly turns to the developing El Niño and what it could mean for California this winter. Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Ben Kelly and Trevor Davies
Extract — continue reading at the source.
